MERDEKA!!! From Jakarta to Sydney, from London to New York, Indonesian Fashion Diplomacy Shines The World!

As the avant garde of diplomacy, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and its able diplomats sure know how to highlight the Indonesian fashion diplomacy. The fashion diplomacy is part and parcel to Indonesia’s economic and cultural diplomacy. Both in their headquarter in Jakarta and their posts in major cities around the globe, the Indonesian diplomats have been at the forefront in showcasing the richness of Indonesian centuries old textile tradition through their elegant attire. 

Under the auspice leadership of H.E. Mrs Retno Marsudi (Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs), a series of events  to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Indonesian independence, including the flag raising ceremony and diplomatic reception are held in Foreign Ministry’s headquarter and its diplomatic/consulate posts abroad.

From Indonesian Consulate in Sydney to Indonesian Mission in Geneva, from Indonesian Embassy in Wellington to Indonesian Mission in New York, all members of Indonesian diplomatic corps and their respective spouses as well as Indonesian communities proudly attended the ceremony by  dressing up in their outstanding collection of Indonesian traditional attires during the festive celebration, e.g. kebaya (ladies blouse), Batik, Tenun, Ikat, Songket, etc.

In conjunction with the Indonesian independence, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry also celebrated its 70^th anniversary with various events. These events, to name a few, include the annual fashion show on Indonesian Batik in Jakarta.

The much awaited fashion show features top level Indonesian diplomats serving as models by strutting stylishly down the catwalk all dressed up in Indonesian Batik designed by Parang Kencana. 

This year’s show, however, is considered very special by its audience as the show also featured two top echelons’ officers, namely H.E. Mr Yohanes Kristiarto Suryo Legowo (Secretary General of Indonesian Foreign Ministry) and H.E. Ms Esti Andayani (Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy of Indonesian Foreign Ministry).

When Their Excellencies walked down the runway, all eyes were on them, admiring their elegant style and also the ensemble that they are wearing. The most sought after show in the Foreign Ministry has now transformed into the it event of the year. All diplomats, regardless of their ranks, filled the majestic Nusantara Room to witness the historical event of Indonesian fashion diplomacy.  

As an active member of Indonesian corps diplomatique, I can truly say that I am proud to see the evolving role of Indonesian diplomats in pursuing our fashion diplomacy. Indeed, who would understand better to push forward Indonesian fashion diplomacy than its excellent diplomats and their respective spouses?

Now, without further a due, let me present the following photos taken during the festive celebration of Indonesian independence in the capitals and major cities around the globe. You will find that the red and white colors, which are the colors of Indonesian national flag, strikingly dominate the elegant outfits of Indonesian diplomats and their spouses during this festive celebration. 

Can't get enough of Indonesian fashion diplomacy? Follow my amazing fashion adventure in instagram (@JETJAKARTA) and Facebook page (JET Fashion Diplomacy).

MERDEKA! Dirgahayu Indonesia! Dirgahayu Kementerian Luar Negeri! Viva Indonesian fashion diplomacy! Luv Kemlu!

#JETFashionDiplomacy,#LuvKemlu,#ForeignMinisterRetnoMarsudi,#IndonesianFashionDiplomacy,#IndonesianBatik, #IndonesianTextile,#Kebaya,#IndonesianMinistryofForeignAffairs, #KemluRI

JET with H.E. General David Hurley (Ret’d), the Honourable Governor of New South Wales, at the Diplomatic Reception of 70^th Indonesian Anniversary in Sydney (http://www.governor.nsw.gov.au/). Prior to his appointment as Governor, His Excellency served for 42 years in the Australian Army, concluding his service as the Chief of the Defence Force. I am thoroughly fond of General Hurley’s Batik which feature Australian-Indonesian partnership through the signature patterns representing the neighbouring countries, namely Australian kangaroo and Indonesian garuda. The shirt was designed by Iwan Tirta, the late Indonesian Batik maestro (http://iwantirtabatik.com/).

To put on an Indonesian twist to my formal business attire, JET wears Envy Batik’s pouch made from black and white Rang Rang cloth from Bali designed by Novita Villanueva (Facebook page: Envy Batik).

JET with the charming Mrs Linda Hurley, the First Lady of New South Wales (http://www.governor.nsw.gov.au/governor/biography-of-mrs-hurley/), and Mrs Nino Riphat, spouse of H.E. Mr Nadjib Riphat Kesuma (Indonesian Ambassador to Australia). Both Governor and Mrs Hurley share deep interest to Indonesian culture, including Batik. Mrs Hurley wears a maroon-colored Indonesian Batik blouse to attend the Indonesian reception.

With Dr Yayan Mulyana, the Indonesian Consul General to New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, and Mrs Irene Mulyana after the flag-raising ceremony on August 17, 2015. Mrs Mulyana looks serene in her white embroidered kebaya and red tumpal Batik sarong with its matching sash.   

In order to add a flair of Indonesian nuance in his winter’s coat, JET puts on a hand-painted Batik silk tie by Josephine Komara for Bin House and a burgundish clutch by Novita Yunus for Batik Chic (Facebook: Batik Chic, Novita Yunus).

Led by the Indonesian Consul General, Dr Yayan Mulyana, the flag raising ceremony to mark the 70^th anniversary of Indonesian independence was held in the residence of Indonesian Consul General in Sydney.

The Leading Ladies of Diplomacy are Champions in Indonesian Fashion Diplomacy as they all elegantly dressed up in Kebaya and Indonesian Batik. L-R: H.E. Ms Esti Andayani (Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy - in red embroidered kebaya and Batik sarong with parang pattern), H.E. Mr A.M. Fachir (the Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister) and Mrs Yasmin Fachir (in white flowery kebaya and sogan Batik sarong with matching red sash and head veil)  H.E. Mrs Retno Marsudi (Indonesian Foreign Minister - in red high neck kebaya and classy Batik sarong and matching sash) and Mr Agus Marsudi after the 70^th Indonesian Anniversary in the Foreign Ministry headquarter in Jakarta.

The spouses of Director Generals and Directors proudly highlighting their splendor Indonesian ensemble at the 70th anniversary of Indonesia in Foreign Ministy, Jakarta. Mrs Lista Damayanti Djani (in red kebaya and Batik sarong and sash - spouse of Director General for American and European affairs, H.E. Mr Dian Triansyah Djani), Mrs Rusdijana Puja (in white kebaya and violet colored Batik sarong - spouse of Director General for ASEAN Cooperation, H.E. Mr I G Wesaka Puja), Mrs Senny Syahfinar Yusup (in white kebaya and red Batik sarong and sash with matching red head veil - spouse of Director for East Asia and Pacific affairs, H.E. Mr Edi Yusup) together with the spouses of Indonesian Foreign Ministry’s top echelons attended the 70^th celebration of Indonesian independence in the Ministry.

Under the auspice guidance of Foreign Minister Madam Retno Marsudi, Indonesian fashion diplomacy alive and kicking at the Foreign Ministry! The graceful Minister Retno Marsudi (in red kebaya and Batik) is pictured here with the high level officers of Foreign Ministers who serve as models in the much awaited fashion show to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of Foreign Ministry. Standing next to her (L-R): H.E. Ms Esti Andayani (Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy) and H.E. Mr Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo (Secretary General). They are surrounded by the top level officers of Indonesian Foreign Ministry who all worn lovely Indonesian Batik creations by Parang Kencana.

All eyes were on Their Excellencies! The Secretary General (H.E. Mr Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo) and Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy (H.E. Madam Esti Andayani) of Indonesian Foreign Ministry took center stage as they elegantly walked down the runway in Nusantara Room, Indonesian Foreign Ministry. Their Excellencies were dressed up in Indonesian Batik outfits by Parang Kencana (Facebook page: Parang Kencana).

No strangers to the public eyes, both these directors show that they can strut down the catwalk as easily as deliver thorough statements. Ms Siti Nugraha Mauludiah (Director for Technical Cooperation) and Mr Arrmanatha Nasir (Spokesperson of Indonesian Foreign Ministry/Head of Administrative Bureau for the Foreign Minister) received warm applause by the enthusiastic audience.

H.E. Madam Retno Marsudi (Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs) officially launched the 70^th anniversary of Foreign Ministry. Her Excellency is accompanied by H.E. Mr A.M. Fachir (Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs), Mrs Yasmin Fachir and H.E. Mr Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo (Secretary General). 

To mark the 70^th anniversary of Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Their Excellencies began the celebration with dancing. H.E. Mrs Retno Marsudi (in white kebaya) danced with her husband, Mr. Agus Marsudi. Whereas, H.E. Mr A.M. Fachir danced with spouse, Mrs Yasmin Fachir.

Mr Sidharto (Arto) R. Suryodipuro (Deputy Chief of Mission) and Mrs Dewi Ratna Suryodipuro is pictured here with the officers after Indonesian anniversary ceremony in the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC. Mrs Dewi Suryodipuro elegantly wears a white kebaya with a set of hand-painted Indonesian Batik sash and tumpal sarong with various patterns of Wadasan. Wadasan is a signature pattern of Batik which is crafted in Cirebon. 

H.E. Madam Prianti Gagarin Djatmiko Singgih (Indonesian Ambassador for Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Dominican Commonwealth, and Saint Lucia) is known for her signature style which underlines prominent creations of Indonesian designers. Ambassador Prianti showcased her outstanding collection of kebaya during the 70^th anniversary of Indonesia in Indonesian Embassy in Caracas. In the left photo, Ambassador Prianti wears a classy embroidered red kebaya and white sarong with a formal hair do (sanggul). Whereas, the right photo shows Her Excellency in a red and white contemporary kebaya with puffy sleeve and red sarong topped with a stylish bouffant hair do. Her red bag is designed by Novita Yunus for Batik Chic.

H.E. Madam Wening Esthyprobo (Indonesian Ambassador to Hungary) is famous for her excellent choice of outfits. During the 70^th Indonesian anniversary celebration in Indonesian Embassy in Budapest, Ambassador Wening proudly wore a maroon modified kebaya with a red and white silk sarong from Makassar, South Sulawesi.

In Moscow, Madam Wiwik Oratmangun (spouse of H.E. Mr Djauhari Oratmangun, Indonesian Ambassador to Russia) attended the 70^th anniversary of Indonesian in her classy kebaya kutubaru, bright colored sash and sogan Indonesian Batik sarong. Mrs Oratmangun and Indonesian ladies in Moscow look amazing in their colorful kebaya and sarong.

During the 70^th Indonesia’s anniversary in Bangkok, Mrs Tenri Lutfi Rauf (spouse of Indonesian Ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Mr Lutfi Rauf) in violet colored sarong and Mrs Fanny Djundjunan (spouse of Indonesian Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Bebeb Djundjunan) in orange colored sarong both look graceful in their signature Makassar silk sarong.

In the epic city of Geneva, Madam Moelik Wibowo (spouse of H.E. Mr Triyono Wibowo, Indonesian Permanent Representative/Ambassador to UN, WTO and other International Organizations) and Madam Atria Rai Tene (spouse of H.E. Mr Michael Tene, Deputy Permanent Representative/Ambassador) show how white embroidered kebaya can look tres chic with a vibrant colored sarong as well as with a pair of sunglasses.

At the very edge of the Southern Hemisphere, Madam Rennie Wibowo Tavares (spouse of H.E. Mr Jose Antonio Morato Tavares) looks graceful next to her husband during the 70^th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence. The left photo presents Mrs Tavares in an embroidered red and white kebaya with Balinese woven sarong. While, the right photo features Mrs Tavares in a kebaya kutubaru and matching sash.

In the bustling city state of Singapore, Madam Ferial Hadi stands gracefully in her deep red kebaya and Batik sarong with matching colored head veil next to her husband, H.E. Mr Andri Hadi (Indonesian Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore) during the 70^th celebration of Indonesian independence.

H.E. Mr Andri Hadi (Indonesian Ambassador in Singapore) with his smart members of home staff who look pretty in their white kebaya, namely Mrs Adhyanti S. Wirajuda (in blue colored Batik sarong and sash) and Mrs Kartika Handaru (in red colored Batik sarong).

In New York a.k.a. the city that never sleeps, Mrs Sari Percaya (second left –front row), who displays a refined violet colored kebaya and burgundy colored sash, look graceful with the spouses of Indonesian diplomats during 70^th anniversary of Indonesian independence, including Mrs Susi Daruni Chandra (in blue kebaya and Balinese woven sarong/left front row), Mrs Almalia Habib (in white and green flowery kebaya kutubaru and Batik sarong/right - front row), Mrs Kamapradipta (in white kebaya kutubaru and red sarong/second right - front row) and Mrs Seira Rahdiansyah (in red embroidered kebaya/left - back row).

Still in NYC, these good-looking First Secretaries rocked the Indonesian anniversary with their fine outfits. Mrs Indah Nuria Savitri is a ravishing vision in red with her red kebaya and violet colored intricately embroidered Tapis (Lampungnese traditional textile with its signature golden threads) with red kebaya. Mrs Seira Rahdiansyah (spouse of Mr Danny Rahdiansyah) looks picture perfect in in her red kebaya and Batik sarong topped with a traditional (sanggul) hair do.

In Playa del Colon right in the heart of Madrid, H.E. Madam Yuli Mumpuni (Indonesian Ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of Spain), who wears a green baju kurung, striked a fashionable pose with the spouses of Indonesian diplomats, including Mrs Okky Ghaffar Lasiny (in yellow colored kebaya and sarong/standing next to Ambassador Yuli).

In Bern, H.E. Madam Linggawaty Hakim (Indonesian Ambassador to the Confederation of Swiss and Principality of Lichtenstein), who looks dignified in her orange colored kebaya with a matching Batik sarong and sash, is pictured with Her Excellency's able staff.

In Tokyo, Madam Dewi Lusiana Mahendra looks stunning -as always- with her dark blue colored brocade kebaya with matching Batik sarong and sash as she accompanied her husbang, H.E. Mr Yusron Ihza Mahendra (Indonesian Ambassador to Japan) and their pretty daughter Alamanda -who nicely and cutely dressed in red embroidered mini baju kurung- in welcoming the guests at the 70^th Indonesian independence ceremony.

In London, Mrs Lastry Thayeb (spouse of H.E. Mr TM Hamzah Thayeb, Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom) and Mrs Anita Luhulima (Deputy Chief of Mission) both look serene in their white kebaya and songket as well as red kebaya and Batik sarong respectively at the 70^th anniversary of Indonesian independence.

In Los Angeles a.k.a. the city of Angels, Mrs Nila Umar Hadi splendidly accompanied The Indonesian Consul General Mr Umar Hadi by looking immaculate in an olive green colored baju kurung and golden threads songket. Ms Aini Umar Hadi, the Consul General’s daughter, also follows her Mother’s stylish footsteps by wearing the blue colored kebaya and songket in an impeccably manner.

In The Hague, Mrs Wahyutomo nicely wears the colorful jumputan tie dye sarong with its matching sash as she accompanied her husband, the Charge d’Affaires/Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Ibnu Wahyutomo led the 70^th anniversary of Indonesian independence ceremony. The ceremony in The Hague was attended by approximately 400 participants, including Dutch veterans.

In Ottawa, Mrs Andis E. Faizasyah is an elegant vision in white kebaya and red songket with golden threads and matching stole as she accompanied her husband, H.E. Dr Teuku Faizasyah (Indonesian Ambassador to Canada) in sharing the yellow rice tumpeng to Indonesian community during the 70^th anniversary celebration.

In Paris a.k.a the City of Lights, First Secretary of Indonesian Embassy to UNESCO, Mrs Vicka Rompis presents a tasteful look by donning a Balinese style navy Blue kebaya and European-inspired Batik sarong with a flower bouquet pattern, matched with its signature sash worn at the waist. She is pictured here with her husband, Mr Putu R. Putra.